CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: Quarterback Tony Romo missed the team's offseason training
activities as he recovered from back surgery to remove a cyst in April. The
procedure wasn't considered serious but anytime you undergo back surgery there
will be question marks, especially after Romo signed a monster six-year
contract extension in late March, a deal reported to be worth $108 million
with $55 million guaranteed. If everything goes to plan, the Cowboys figure to
be set at most of the skill positions with Romo throwing to Dez Bryant, Jason
Witten and Miles Austin. The offensive line and running game leave a lot to be
desired, however. Dallas made changes to four of its five offensive line
positions a year ago and most of them didn't work, meaning more changes are on
the horizon. Tyron Smith, a first-round pick in 2011, is the left tackle and
everything else is up for debate although first-round pick Travis Frederick is
expected to take over the pivot. Over on defense, the 'Boys fired coordinator
Rob Ryan and replaced him with the 72-year-old Monte Kiffin, who worships at
the altar of the antiquated Tampa-2 defensive philosophy. That means the
Cowboys will switch to a 4-3 "under" scheme that requires a Brian Urlacher-
type middle linebacker and smart, zone- savvy defensive backs. There is plenty
of talent on that side of the ball but whether they will fit in with Kiffin's
philosophy is something that needs to be watched.